Petition to Preserve the Leesburg Shuffleboard Courts at Palmetto Street Sports Complex
Petition to Preserve the Leesburg Shuffleboard Courts at Palmetto Street Sports Complex
The Issue
To: The City Commission of Leesburg, Florida
From: Concerned Residents, Leesburg Shuffleboard Club Members, and Supporters
We, the undersigned, respectfully urge the Leesburg City Commission to preserve the historic shuffleboard courts at the Palmetto Street Sports Complex, home to the Leesburg Shuffleboard Club since 1985. These 24 courts, built in 1971, are not only a vital community asset but also a cherished part of Leesburg’s cultural heritage, fostering social connections, physical activity, and economic benefits through tourism and local engagement.
The first public hearing on the proposed demolition of the Leesburg shuffleboard courts is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on August 25 at the Venetian Center (1 Dozier Ct, Leesburg, FL).
Our Request
- We respectfully request that the Leesburg City Commission:
- Halt Any Plans to Demolish the Shuffleboard Courts: Preserve the 24 courts and clubhouse at the Palmetto Street Sports Complex.
- Invest in Maintenance and Upgrades: Resurface the courts to ensure their longevity, as recommended by Commissioner Connell, to maintain a high-quality facility for current and future generations.
- Explore Alternative Locations for Forward Paths: Identify other suitable city-owned properties for youth housing initiatives, ensuring both community recreation and social services can thrive.
- Engage the Community in Decision-Making: Hold public forums to discuss the future of the courts, ensuring transparency and inclusion of all stakeholders, including the Leesburg Shuffleboard Club and its supporters.
Join Us in Saving the Courts
By signing this petition, you are standing with the Leesburg Shuffleboard Club and countless residents who value this historic, inclusive, and economically beneficial facility. Let’s work together to ensure the Palmetto Street shuffleboard courts remain a vibrant part of Leesburg’s past, present, and future.
Additional Information
Why the Shuffleboard Courts Matter
Historical Significance: The Leesburg Shuffleboard Club traces its roots to the 1920s at Venetian Gardens, with the current courts established in 1971 to replace the earlier sandy courts. These courts are a testament to Leesburg’s rich history, tied to the Works Progress Administration era and the city’s identity as a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.
Community Hub: The courts serve as a vital gathering place for seniors and players of all ages, fostering a sense of family and belonging. Members have shared heartfelt stories of how the club has helped them cope with personal loss, build friendships, and maintain physical and mental health through an accessible, low-cost sport (annual dues are only $20).
Economic Impact: The Leesburg Shuffleboard Club hosts six annual tournaments, attracting up to 100 participants per event, including out-of-town visitors who contribute to local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. Demolishing the courts would eliminate this revenue stream and diminish Leesburg’s appeal as a destination for shuffleboard enthusiasts.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: The club provides free lessons, equipment for beginners, and a welcoming environment for all skill levels, ensuring broad community access. Claims that the courts are “locked up” have been refuted by city staff, confirming they are open to the public with measures only to prevent loitering.
Why This Matters Now
The discussion at the July 14, 2025, City Commission meeting highlighted strong community support for preserving the courts, with 15 club members and other residents speaking in favor of maintaining this facility. The courts are not only a recreational asset but also a symbol of Leesburg’s commitment to its residents’ quality of life. Demolishing them would irreparably harm the community’s social fabric and economic vitality, while viable alternatives exist to meet the needs of both the Shuffleboard Club and the Forward Paths Foundation.
Petition Instructions
When signing, be sure to click the pencil beside "Leesburg, 34788 United States" to edit your address if you are not a Leesburg resident. You will be prompted to Chip in to help meet the Goal (not necessary - we are distributing - just click "Sorry, I can’t do anything right now", Add a Video (not necessary), Add Comments (much appreciated), or click Skip.
That's it! We will present the petitions at the August 25th Leesburg City Commission meeting. Thank you for your support!
437
The Issue
To: The City Commission of Leesburg, Florida
From: Concerned Residents, Leesburg Shuffleboard Club Members, and Supporters
We, the undersigned, respectfully urge the Leesburg City Commission to preserve the historic shuffleboard courts at the Palmetto Street Sports Complex, home to the Leesburg Shuffleboard Club since 1985. These 24 courts, built in 1971, are not only a vital community asset but also a cherished part of Leesburg’s cultural heritage, fostering social connections, physical activity, and economic benefits through tourism and local engagement.
The first public hearing on the proposed demolition of the Leesburg shuffleboard courts is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on August 25 at the Venetian Center (1 Dozier Ct, Leesburg, FL).
Our Request
- We respectfully request that the Leesburg City Commission:
- Halt Any Plans to Demolish the Shuffleboard Courts: Preserve the 24 courts and clubhouse at the Palmetto Street Sports Complex.
- Invest in Maintenance and Upgrades: Resurface the courts to ensure their longevity, as recommended by Commissioner Connell, to maintain a high-quality facility for current and future generations.
- Explore Alternative Locations for Forward Paths: Identify other suitable city-owned properties for youth housing initiatives, ensuring both community recreation and social services can thrive.
- Engage the Community in Decision-Making: Hold public forums to discuss the future of the courts, ensuring transparency and inclusion of all stakeholders, including the Leesburg Shuffleboard Club and its supporters.
Join Us in Saving the Courts
By signing this petition, you are standing with the Leesburg Shuffleboard Club and countless residents who value this historic, inclusive, and economically beneficial facility. Let’s work together to ensure the Palmetto Street shuffleboard courts remain a vibrant part of Leesburg’s past, present, and future.
Additional Information
Why the Shuffleboard Courts Matter
Historical Significance: The Leesburg Shuffleboard Club traces its roots to the 1920s at Venetian Gardens, with the current courts established in 1971 to replace the earlier sandy courts. These courts are a testament to Leesburg’s rich history, tied to the Works Progress Administration era and the city’s identity as a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.
Community Hub: The courts serve as a vital gathering place for seniors and players of all ages, fostering a sense of family and belonging. Members have shared heartfelt stories of how the club has helped them cope with personal loss, build friendships, and maintain physical and mental health through an accessible, low-cost sport (annual dues are only $20).
Economic Impact: The Leesburg Shuffleboard Club hosts six annual tournaments, attracting up to 100 participants per event, including out-of-town visitors who contribute to local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. Demolishing the courts would eliminate this revenue stream and diminish Leesburg’s appeal as a destination for shuffleboard enthusiasts.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: The club provides free lessons, equipment for beginners, and a welcoming environment for all skill levels, ensuring broad community access. Claims that the courts are “locked up” have been refuted by city staff, confirming they are open to the public with measures only to prevent loitering.
Why This Matters Now
The discussion at the July 14, 2025, City Commission meeting highlighted strong community support for preserving the courts, with 15 club members and other residents speaking in favor of maintaining this facility. The courts are not only a recreational asset but also a symbol of Leesburg’s commitment to its residents’ quality of life. Demolishing them would irreparably harm the community’s social fabric and economic vitality, while viable alternatives exist to meet the needs of both the Shuffleboard Club and the Forward Paths Foundation.
Petition Instructions
When signing, be sure to click the pencil beside "Leesburg, 34788 United States" to edit your address if you are not a Leesburg resident. You will be prompted to Chip in to help meet the Goal (not necessary - we are distributing - just click "Sorry, I can’t do anything right now", Add a Video (not necessary), Add Comments (much appreciated), or click Skip.
That's it! We will present the petitions at the August 25th Leesburg City Commission meeting. Thank you for your support!
437
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Petition created on July 20, 2025